West Seattle, Washington
05 Thursday
(First and last photos courtesy WSHS Softball)
Hours before the Seahawks took the field in California, members of the West Seattle High School softball team took the field at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex. Their mission this morning: A skills clinic for younger players.
(This photo and next three by WSB’s Torin Record-Sand)
They taught two groups, separated by skill level and experience.
This is not only a mentoring opportunity – it’s a fundraiser; the entry fees go to the WSHS Booster Club to fund team needs that the school budget doesn’t cover.
The clinic has been held since 2021, originally the idea of WSHS player Kamil Ygnacio, now an alum, but her sister Kaila led today’s event with her team co-captain Kenzie (they’re at L and R below with head coach Kyler Tsukada):
The fastpitch varsity team has another fundraiser this week that’s open to all, a dine-out fundraiser Wednesday (February 11), 5-9 pm, at Chipotle in The Junction – the info and ordering code can be found in our calendar listing. The team’s 2026 season starts in March.
(2023 photo by Kersti Muul)
One year after filling the room at a local community council meeting and explaining why people should be “less anxious” about beavers, Pamela Adams will talk to the Rotary Club of West Seattle‘s weekly lunch gathering this Tuesday (February 10). The self-styled “Beaver Detective” is expected, the WS Rotary (WSB sponsor) says, to give attendees “a guided journey through Longfellow Creek, home to five known beaver families, and share how beavers are reshaping this urban creek, the importance of thoughtful human stewardship, and a hopeful, science-grounded look at how cities and wildlife can thrive together.” The meeting starts at noon Tuesday at the West Seattle Golf Course (4470 35th SW); if you’re interested in attending, ws_rotary@yahoo.com is the email contact.
7:24 PM: That of course is what the fireworks are for … Seattle 29, New England 13!
(Photo by Jerry Simmons)
7:53 PM: Jim tells us there’s a victory party in The Junction at Walk-all-Ways … when they have the signal! (Added, here’s a screengrab from the California/Alaska traffic camera:)
(And video:)
8:05 PM: For those wondering, KING 5 TV confirms the victory parade will be on 4th Avenue this Wednesday (February 11), northbound from Pioneer Square.
ADDED MONDAY MORNING: The official announcement of a 10 am Wednesday Lumen Field celebration (free tickets required) and 11 am parade on 4th Avenue is here.
Sorry, no “Seahawk” (Osprey) or even Superb Owl in the lineup today, but we do have six more bird photos to share in the last game-day gallery of this football season, courtesy of readers! Above, a Kingfisher that Steve Bender spotted at T-107 Park; he also photographed the “dancing” waterfowl below, at Jack Block Park:
Yvonne Frankovich photographed this juvenile Bald Eagle:
Also up in a tree with a view, these Crows, from Janelle Otterholt:
A Bewick’s Wren, from Jon Anderson:
And Jerry Simmons contributes the American Goldfinch:
We of course publish bird photos the rest of the year too, including sometimes as the highlight photo on our event lists each morning – thanks to everyone for sharing bird and other photos – westseattleblog@gmail.com is the best way (unless breaking news, which can be texted to 206-293-6302) – thank you!
As noted earlier this month, the Chief Sealth IHS flag-football team finished third at the district tournament and won a berth at the state championships. Their opening game on Saturday was a tough one – facing top-seeded Lynden in their back yard at Ferndale – and the Seahawks lost 35-0. Congratulations to the team on a great season!
(Clothesline coordinator Karen Dahl)
Story and photos by Macey Wurm
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
The Clothesline, West Seattle Food Bank’s free-clothing program, hosted its first donation drive at their new location in the former food-store space at Cottage Grove Commons (5444 Delridge Way SW).
Clothesline will have two additional donation-only days for you to bring in your clothes on Tuesday, Feb. 10, and Thursday, Feb. 12, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., before they reopen to the public on Feb. 17th. We stopped by Saturday for a look inside the new location.
Clothesline has been closed for the past six weeks in order to organize the move to the new location. In anticipation of the closure, demand increased at the end of December, and volunteers expect most of their current inventory to leave the racks upon the reopening, according to Karen Dahl, the Clothesline program coordinator.
Dahl recommended that donors bring in warm winter jackets, sweatshirts, and work boots, which have been in high demand for shoppers needing proper gear for construction and gardening jobs. She also noted that donors should aim to bring seasonal items, as Clothesline’s storage space for out-of-season items is currently limited.
The limited storage space is one notable difference between the old and new locations, another being that the new location doesn’t have a parking lot, forcing visitors to rely on street parking or visit via transit.
Dahl is the only official staff member at Clothesline, supported by a 67-person-strong volunteer network. Dahl recalled that when she was down with pneumonia in January, they stepped up to pack the entirety of the old facility.
“I have the best volunteers.” Dahl said. “Don’t get me started on the volunteers … they are essential here.”
The program typically has 10-15 volunteers working on any given day, but is looking for some additional help on Saturdays.
At the conclusion of Saturday’s first day of donations, Dahl expressed optimism about donor turnout and the items received. The day served as “another reminder that we live in a remarkable community,” according to Tom, a Clothesline volunteer who has been helping out since the pandemic.
“The donors are really fabulous. A lot of people who come in and donate; they tell me directly they want to bring it here because they know it goes directly to people,” Dahl said.
Clothesline sees 40-50 “groups” per day that receive clothes – groups consisting of an individual and potential family members that they may be shopping for. Last year, Clothesline provided items to more than 5,000 families, with around 100,000 pieces cycling through the program annually.
Training starts next month for the next group of prospective volunteer SUN Nature Guides! Here’s the announcement sent to us to share with you:
Seattle Parks and Recreation Environmental Engagement Unit invites you to join our 2026 cohort of Seattle Urban Nature Guides. This award-winning volunteer group bridges the gap between people and the natural world within our city’s parklands.
As a Seattle Urban Nature Guide, you become part of a dedicated community working to ensure that every person can access meaningful experiences in nature. You’ll receive training in environmental-education techniques and equity practices, while learning to connect authentically with diverse audiences of all ages. Each program is an opportunity to create moments of wonder that can shape environmental consciousness for a lifetime.
What You’ll Gain:
-Professional development in communication, public speaking, teamwork, and teaching techniques
-Free, comprehensive training on environmental education techniques and equity concepts to connect with a wide variety of audiences
-Hands-on experience leading programs in a variety of settings from playgrounds to beaches
-Flexibility to choose shifts that work with your schedule
-Community with fellow volunteers and dedicated city staff
-Training begins March 2026. Attendance at all sessions is required. Before applying, please review the complete position description to ensure this opportunity aligns with your goals and availability.For questions about the program, training, or application process, contact PKSNatureFieldTrips@seattle.gov
(Photo by Steven Rice)
The Super Bowl is no doubt the super-sized event on today’s list – but you have other options today, particularly pre-game – here’s what else is up, mostly from our WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SOFTBALL CLINIC: Today’s the day WSHS players put on an 8:30 am skills clinic to mentor younger players – details here; the second (advanced) session still had some room as of Saturday. Rain or shine! Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex, upper field (2801 SW Thistle).
SUNDAY FUNDAY RUNDAY: Exercise early! The Westies Run Club starts its 9 am run at Highland Park Corner Store today. (7789 Highland Park Way SW)
FREE WEST AFRICAN DANCE CLASS: Another way to get moving! 9:30 am at South Park Hall (1253 S. Cloverdale).
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: In The Junction, weekly Sunday morning games are happening at the new location of The Missing Piece (4707 California SW), 9:30 am.
SUNDAY MORNING MEDITATION: For a contemplative session, see if there’s space in the small-group meditation session at 9:30 am at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034 California SW).
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Lots of options for game-day food and drink! Open as usual on California SW between Oregon and Alaska, 10 am-2 pm, now in winter produce-and-products season – roots, greens, peppers, mushrooms, cabbage, beans, garlic, apples, more – plus lots of baked goods, cheeses, meats, fish, prepared foods, condiments, pasta, more. (Even chips!)
ROLLER DERBY ROAD TRIP: Want to spend a few pregame hours watching West Seattle-based Rainier Roller Riot bout? 10 am, Magnuson Park in North Seattle, you can do exactly that.
FREE NIA CLASS: Begins at 10:15 am; first class free if you pre-register. At Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary. (3618 SW Alaska)
MARCUS HARRISON GREEN @ WSUU: As previewed here, the Seattle journalist and advocate is guest speaker for Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation‘s Black History Month Celebration service today, 10:30 am. (7141 California SW or livestream)
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need a tool but don’t need to, or can’t, buy it? You’ll probably be able to find it at, and borrow it from, the Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
WEST SEATTLE RESIST: Regular weekly West Seattle Resist Sunday sign-holding event, 11:30 am-1:30 pm. South of Farmers’ Market. (California SW and SW Alaska)
(Photo by Greg Snyder)
SUPER BOWL PARTIES: Here’s our list of 11 West Seattle places to watch the game, from Alki to Morgan Junction, many opening early and advising you to get there early to get a table!
CLOSED ON GAME DAY: On the other hand, it’s a tradition for some local venues to close – or close early – on Super Bowl day. So far we’ve seen Mashiko mention it’s closed today and Cactus mention they’re closing early (2 pm). Anyone else? (Added: Raccolto and GH Pizza and Pasta.)
WELCOME ROAD WINERY: Pre-game relaxing at this West Seattle tasting room (with a patio!) open 2-5 pm, kids and dogs welcome. (3804 California SW; WSB sponsor)
MUSIC AT C & P: 3-5 pm, Martha Liz & Friends provide music to go with your beverages at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
‘TOPDOG/UNDERDOG’: Theater instead of football – the new “comic fable” at ArtsWest has a matinée today, 3 pm. Check here for tickets.
ASTRA LUMINA: Held over into February, but no shows tonight.
TRIVIA AT MR. B’S MEAD CENTER: 5 pm to 8 pm, twice-monthly trivia hosted by Morgue Anne, all ages. (9444 Delridge Way SW)
UNDERGROUND TRIVIA AT CORNER POCKET: 7:30 pm, play after the game, win prizes! (4302 SW Alaska)
LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: 8-10 pm, end your weekend with live music with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW).
Are you planning, organizing, and/or publicizing something that we could add to the WSB community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
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